How many boroughs are in London?

London has 32 boroughs plus the City of London. SettleWithUs currently covers 32 of them with per-postcode family scores across schools, safety, commute and green space.

What are the boroughs of North London?

North London boroughs include Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Waltham Forest. See the full ranking on the North London page.

Which London borough is best for families?

It depends what you weight most. Outer-London boroughs (Richmond, Kingston, Sutton, Bromley) score highest for safety and green space. Inner boroughs (Wandsworth, Camden, Islington) score higher on schools and commute. Use the ranking above to compare on your own weighting.

What's the difference between a London borough and a postcode area?

A borough is the local council (e.g. Wandsworth, Hackney). A postcode area (SW17, E8) is the Royal Mail delivery unit and doesn't always align — one outcode can straddle two boroughs. Every SettleWithUs postcode page shows which borough(s) it sits in.

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Boroughs hub

The 32 boroughs of London, ranked for families

London has 32 boroughs plus the City of London. Below: every borough we cover, grouped by North, South, East, West and Central London, with an overall family score built from schools, safety, commute, green space and everyday amenities — all on the same yardstick.

Best for families →Safest boroughs →Best for commuters →

Top 5 London boroughs for families

Boroughs of North London (7)

Leafy commuter villages, Victorian terraces and some of the city's best state schools — from Barnet and Enfield down through Highgate to Hackney.

See full North ranking

Boroughs of South London (12)

Bigger gardens, more park acreage and the best value for family square footage inside Zones 2–5 — from riverside Richmond round to Bexley.

See full South ranking

Boroughs of East London (9)

Fast-changing neighbourhoods with new schools, Elizabeth line upgrades and large green spaces along the Lea Valley and out towards Havering.

See full East ranking

Boroughs of West London (8)

Heathrow-friendly, well-connected and family-heavy — from period Ealing streets and Harrow's grammar catchments to riverside Hammersmith.

See full West ranking

Boroughs of Central London (7)

Zone 1 family life: garden squares, walk-everywhere amenities and the capital's most established private and state schools.

See full Central ranking

Frequently asked questions

How many boroughs are in London?: London has 32 boroughs plus the City of London (which is technically a corporation, not a borough). SettleWithUs currently covers 32 of them with per-postcode family scores.
What are the boroughs of North London?: The North London boroughs we cover: Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Hackney, Haringey, Islington, Waltham Forest. See the full North London ranking.
Which London borough is best for families?: It depends what you weight most. Outer-London boroughs (Richmond, Kingston, Sutton, Bromley) usually score highest for safety and green space. Inner boroughs (Wandsworth, Camden, Islington) score higher on schools and commute. Use the ranking above to compare on your own priorities.
What's the difference between a London borough and a postcode area?: A borough is the local council (Wandsworth, Hackney, etc.). A postcode area (SW17, E8) is the Royal Mail delivery unit — one outcode can straddle two boroughs. Every SettleWithUs postcode page shows which borough(s) it sits in.

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Every borough breaks down into postcode-level family reports — schools, safety, commute, council tax and green space on one yardstick.

North London South London East London West London Central London